"Deadly weapon" is defined as any device capable of causing death, and which is either designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon (such as a gun, knife, billy, or brass knuckles), or is carried, possessed, or used as a weapon (such as a rock or cane when used for offensive or defensive purposes).

Therefore, ANY knife can be considered a "Deadly Weapon."

§ 2923.12 Carrying concealed weapons. (A) No person shall knowingly carry or have, concealed on his or her person or concealed ready at hand, any deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance.

Therefore, anybody with a pocket knife is carrying a concealed weapon.

§ 2923.12 Carrying concealed weapons...

(C) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under this section of carrying or having control of a weapon other than dangerous ordnance, that the actor was not otherwise prohibited by law from having the weapon, and that any of the following apply:

The weapon was being transported in a motor vehicle for any lawful purpose, and was not on the actor's person...

Knife in the glove box should be OK, but I'm not an expert at interpreting the ORC. I'd consult a lawyer or your local PD to check on their enforcement policy regarding this issue.

I'd opt for more of a "utility" style knife, as the ORC defines such a "weapon" by what it's intended use is. If you are carrying a rock, no problem. However, if you are carrying a rock to bash someone's head in, then you're carrying a "deadly weapon."

By going with a more "utility" style knife, you would be able to more reasonably argue that it is for purposes other than self defense.

If you do decide to carry a knife or other "deadly weapon" type item in your glove compartment, please, for your safety and mine, if you ever get pulled over, tell the cop straight up front that there is a knife (ice pick, hand grenade, etc.) in the glove compartment BEFORE you reach over and open it up to grab your proof of insurance or registration!

Girl I went to the academy with stopped a guy one night. When he reached into his glove box for his registration, he picked up his personal defense ICE PICK to get the registration. It took him a while to figure out why the nice lady officer had her duty weapon stuck in his ear and was yelling at him to drop the weapon.

Everything turned out OK, he dropped the ice pick and explained why he had it in the car, she wrote him his speeding ticket and sent him on his way (with his ice pick in his trunk, now.)

Originally Posted By armoredsaint:Thanks for everyones input, but what about a swiss army pocket knife with all the folding tools? I assume it's the same thing as a regular knife, huh?

Thanks

Technically, yes, but realistically, NO. Most Ohio PD's aren't going to make a fuss about a pocket knife, and IIRC, there are many municipalities that have length regulations in addendum to the ORC. Again, as long as your intent is not to bring immediate harm to someone, and you're not carrying it around to stab someone, then you should be ok. Like College Cop said, your best bet is to let the officer know just what's on your person and in your car up front. 1.) For everyone's safety 2.) The extra unprompted honesty will show the officer you're really a nice guy and on his side.